WHEN CAFFEINE AND CRAMMING FAIL – Simple Ways to Stress Less and Recharge Before Finals

Finals week has a reputation for chaos: Late-night cram sessions fueled by coffee and energy drinks, half-finished assignments scattered across the kitchen table, and students hyperventilating in the bathroom between exams have become synonymous with the college experience.

But while the pressure is real, the full-blown meltdown narrative might be more myth than reality – and students today are all too aware of how easily overdoing it can lead to burnout.

That doesn’t mean we aren’t feeling it, however. For many of us, the final stretch of the term brings a perfect storm of deadlines, sleep deprivation, and emotional fatigue. A recent survey from TimelyCare found that nearly one-third of U.S. college students cite finals and midterms as their top source of stress, while about half report “more than average” stress during exam season. Add in work, family responsibilities, holiday stress, and the undercurrent of political uncertainty, and it’s easy to see why even the most grounded among us are running on fumes.

The stress is real. But stress itself isn't always the enemy.

The stress is real. But stress itself isn’t always the enemy; it’s how long we stay n it and how we work through it. Short bursts of acute stress (like pre-exam adrenaline) can boost focus and motivation, but constant worry and pressure drain energy, memory, and momentum.

That’s why rest, hydration, and even laughter aren’t just healthy habits: They’re the simplest, most effective hacks for keeping our brains clear and focus sharp at test time. The good news is, it’s the small shifts that make the biggest difference. Studies show that breaking up study sessions with as little as a ten-minute walk, a quick stretch, or simply changing your environment can boost energy and improve retention. Want to reduce brain fog? Try chasing – or replacing – that cup of coffee with a glass of mineral water, or simply give yourself permission to sleep when your mind starts to blur. Even a few minutes of casual conversation or laughter with friends will do far more to anchor your learning than yet another hour of flipping through flashcards or rereading notes.

More and more, students are recognizing the pattern of overwhelm and exhaustion that leads to burnout at exam time. But exhaustion isn’t a requirement for success. Taking care of yourself is part of the process, not a distraction from it.

So, if you find yourself running on fumes before finals, consider breaking your routine: Go to a movie, check out an art exhibit, or head over to the “Destress for Finals” event in the MHCC Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Yes, the end-of-term pressure is real, but so is the healing power of taking a break. Give yourself permission to take a step back. Grab a snack, laugh with friends, and take a moment to breathe before the final stretch. Your brain (and your GPA) will thank you.